Since its debut on March 30, 2025, Paramount Plus's crime drama MobLand has captivated audiences and shattered streaming records, firmly establishing itself as the platform's top show. Created by Ronan Bennett and featuring a star-studded cast led by Tom Hardy, the series explores the gritty underworld of two rival London crime families, the Harrigans and the Stevensons, weaving a tale of loyalty, betrayal, and power struggles that has resonated deeply with viewers.
The show's initial impact was immediate and impressive. On its very first day, MobLand attracted an astounding 9.7 million views, setting a new benchmark for Paramount+ premieres. The momentum only grew as the series rolled on, amassing more than 26 million views and maintaining its position as the most popular show on the platform. Even after its finale aired on June 1, 2025—breaking numerous viewership records—the show's appeal remained undiminished, outpacing new releases such as the highly acclaimed sequel Dexter: Resurrection.
According to FlixPatrol, MobLand holds the top spot with 240 points, narrowly edging out Dexter: Resurrection, which premiered on July 11, 2025, and secured second place with 234 points. Notably, the Dexter sequel boasts a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, underscoring its critical acclaim despite trailing in viewership metrics.
At the heart of MobLand's success lies its compelling narrative and a remarkable ensemble cast. Tom Hardy stars as Harry Da Souza, the enigmatic fixer for the Harrigan family. In the murky world of organized crime, a fixer is the indispensable problem-solver who cleans up messes and navigates perilous situations to keep the criminal empire intact. Hardy's portrayal of Harry is a study in restrained intensity—a brooding figure whose voice rarely rises above a whisper, yet whose capacity for violence simmers just beneath the surface. This nuanced performance has been widely praised as the driving force behind the show’s gripping atmosphere.
The series also boasts legendary actors such as Pierce Brosnan, who takes on the role of Conrad Harrigan, the formidable patriarch of the Harrigan clan. Brosnan’s character is a stark departure from his suave James Bond days, embodying a ruthless Irish mobster whose family’s grip on the underworld is challenged by the Stevensons. Helen Mirren plays Maeve Harrigan, while Paddy Considine and Joanne Froggatt round out the core cast, each bringing depth to their complex characters.
Ronan Bennett’s writing has been lauded for its sharpness and intensity, crafting a plot that is as cinematic as it is deeply British in tone. The pilot episode, directed by Guy Ritchie, carries the director’s signature style—though notably stripped of his usual humor—resulting in a dark, unsettling crime thriller that immerses viewers in the high-stakes world of London’s criminal elite.
Central to the storyline is the escalating conflict between the Harrigans and the Stevensons, sparked by the disappearance of the Stevenson heir. Eddie Harrigan, Conrad’s unstable grandson, is implicated in the vanishing, setting off a chain of events that threatens to ignite a full-scale war between the families. Geoff Bell’s portrayal of Richie Stevenson, the determined mob boss and father of the missing boy, adds a compelling counterweight to the Harrigan faction.
While the show excels in its depiction of organized crime’s brutal realities, it also delves into the personal struggles of its characters, particularly Harry Da Souza. Throughout the first season, viewers are drawn into the puzzle of Harry’s motivations and loyalties. Fiercely devoted to the Harrigans, Harry’s greatest vulnerability emerges as his neglect of his own family. His wife, Jan Da Souza (played by Joanne Froggatt), repeatedly voices her frustration and sense of abandonment, exacerbated by the dangers their lives entail.
The season’s climax poignantly reveals this tension when, in a heated argument, Jan stabs Harry deeply in the stomach—a shocking moment that underscores the personal costs of Harry’s criminal allegiance. Despite the severity of the wound, executive producer Jez Butterworth confirmed in a New York Post interview that Harry survives, remarking, “We love Harry. We love Tom.” Butterworth also reflected on the dramatic irony of Harry’s near-death experience: “Having walked through fire for 10 episodes, what happens at the end is the one thing he’s not expecting.”
Butterworth attributed Jan’s violent outburst to the “attritional cost” of living with the unpredictability, anxiety, and stress that define Harry’s life. This nuanced exploration of relationships adds emotional depth to the series, elevating it beyond a typical crime saga.
Beyond Hardy and Butterworth, the production team includes notable figures such as Bob Yari, David Glasser, David Hutkin, Guy Ritchie, Ronan Bennett himself, Ron Burkle, Kris Thykier, and Dean Baker, contributing to the show’s high production values and storytelling finesse.
Critics have noted that while Hardy and Considine deliver restrained, powerful performances, some of the bigger names—namely Brosnan and Mirren—occasionally appear out of their depth, sometimes veering into caricature. Nevertheless, the ensemble’s collective strength supports the show’s intense narrative and richly drawn characters.
As MobLand continues to dominate Paramount+ and captivate audiences, its impact on the streaming landscape is clear. The show’s blend of stellar acting, intricate plotting, and cinematic style has set a new standard for British crime dramas on global platforms. With award submissions underway—Tom Hardy and Pierce Brosnan for Lead Drama Actor, and Helen Mirren for Supporting Drama Actress—the industry recognition seems poised to follow the show's popular success.
Meanwhile, Dexter: Resurrection has carved out its own niche, earning critical praise and drawing viewers back into the dark world of Dexter Morgan, now navigating new threats as he searches for his son. Featuring Michael C. Hall reprising his iconic role alongside Jack Alcott, Uma Thurman, and Peter Dinklage, the series promises to keep fans on edge.
In the competitive arena of streaming crime dramas, both MobLand and Dexter: Resurrection showcase the enduring appeal of complex characters and morally ambiguous stories. Yet, it is Hardy’s quietly explosive performance in MobLand that continues to command attention, making the show a must-watch for 2025.
